Balkhash Celebrated Constitution Day on the Wave of ExtraAbility
On August 30, 2025, the international festival "Day of ExtraAbility" took place on the shores of Lake Balkhash at the "Nurbakhytyk" recreation base—a large-scale socio-sporting event within the "Sails of Spirit" project. The project is implemented by the "White Cane" NGO (Russia) with the support of the State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom" and is being held in Kazakhstan for the first time.
The main surprise this year was the first-ever concert abroad held directly from the deck of a sailing catamaran. Amid stormy winds on the lake, the sounds of the accordion and mandolin filled the air: the improvised "water stage" featured performances by Igor Poretsky—developer of a navigation app for the blind and digital accessibility expert (Russia), Alina Ziangirova—a hard-of-hearing student at the "Culinary" technical school (Russia, Yekaterinburg), Alexander Chesnokov—a poet and composer from Kazakhstan, and his 94-year-old mother, musician Maria Yermenko.
The program included an official opening, ExtraAbility masterclasses on the beach, sailing and rowing sessions, and an awards ceremony. The atmosphere of friendship and creativity united guests of all ages and professions.
"We participated in masterclasses on the shore and the beach, and we loved everything: the rowing masterclass as well as the sign language singing. We will definitely come again!" shared Karina and Meruert, participants from Balkhash.
Special guests at the festival included Kenzhegul Sotsialuly Seitzhan, Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan and Commissioner for the Rights of Socially Vulnerable Categories under the President of Kazakhstan, Izbasar Omirzhanovich Shakenov, Head of the Department of Culture, Language Development, Physical Culture, and Sports of Balkhash, and Talgat Kadyrberlikovich Balkybekov, Chairman of the Trade Union Committee of the Balkhash Thermal Power Plant "KәsіpKorgan".
In the photo: Sergey Kataev, participating in the "Sails of Spirit" project for the 13th time; Kenzhegul Seitzhan, Deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan; Viktor Klokov, yacht captain and co-founder of the project
The connection between the Constitution and the philosophy of the ExtraAbility movement is clear: the fundamental law of the Republic of Kazakhstan guarantees equal rights to every citizen—to work, education, freedom of speech and creativity, and equality before the law. It is these values that support the ExtraAbility movement, which unlocks people’s talents in any conditions, turning limitations into a source of new opportunities. The Constitution creates the legal foundation for equality, while ExtraAbility turns it into living practice, uniting people and revealing additional abilities in everyone.
"My dad has been a volunteer for 'Sails of Spirit' for three years now, and today I came to participate too. I just rode a catamaran—it was super cool! I love learning new things, meeting people, and feeling the energy!" shared participant Alina Makanalina.
"Sails of Spirit" in Kazakhstan is already a tradition. But each time, we take a new step: more participants, more ideas, and more confidence that a person’s value is revealed through actions and live communication, not just on a ceremonial stage.
Project Partners:
State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom"
Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation "Rossotrudnichestvo"
Akimat of Astana (Kazakhstan)
Akimat of Karaganda Region (Kazakhstan)
Akimat of Balkhash City (Kazakhstan)
Medscan Group
Institute of Management Design and Competitive Strategies LLC
"Nurbakhytyk" Recreation Center (Kazakhstan)
"Special Holidays" Charitable Events Foundation (Kazakhstan)
"ATAMYN AMANATY" Public Association (Kazakhstan)
"Bakyt" Society of People with Disabilities (Kazakhstan)
Inclusive Media Portal #Defacto FM (Kazakhstan)
Tarsus Disability Platform (Turkey)
Village of Hope for Development and Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities (Egypt)
Russian Geographical Society
Surgut City Organization of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People
Khanty-Mansiysk Regional Organization of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People